Barcelona’s Sagrada Família has extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to preside over the centenary commemoration of Antoni Gaudí’s death next year, a move that could mark the new pontiff’s first official visit to Catalonia.
The President of the Junta Constructora, Esteve Camps, confirmed that the Vatican has received the request and hopes to respond within the month. If accepted, the Pope would lead a solemn mass at the basilica to honour Gaudí, the visionary architect behind the iconic temple, who died in 1926.
The centenary celebrations will coincide with major milestones in the basilica’s construction, including the long-awaited crowning of the cross on the Jesus tower. Standing at 155 metres, it will become Barcelona’s second tallest structure, after the Torre de Collserola.
Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis I earlier this year, has yet to outline his full travel agenda. His predecessor never visited Catalonia, prioritising less affluent regions and promoting interreligious dialogue. Analysts note that Leo XIV has already distinguished himself with a more traditional style, reviving classical papal attire and reintroducing the use of the Vatican’s summer residence.
Beyond the Gaudí commemoration, the Sagrada Família will also serve as the launch venue for the 2026 Tour de France, underscoring its dual role as a religious and cultural symbol. Local authorities see the Pope’s potential attendance as both a spiritual endorsement and a significant boost to Barcelona’s international profile.
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